Dodge owners and those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably
driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things
that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they
boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a “need for
speed.”

“The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car
should look like,” said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer. “An
electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO
concept proves that point – and then some.”

To this end, the ZEO’s body has been given an active, three-dimensional form,
with the fenders boldly offset to the body.

The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only
with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles.

Resting in a rear-wheel drive layout, Dodge ZEO’s 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower)
single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds —
which rivals Chrysler’s famed HEMI powerplant.

Unlike other such vehicles, ZEO is a four-door, four-passenger vehicle that
delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Dodge ZEO Concept Exterior

Nestled between the robust circular wheel arches, ZEO’s taut, elongated beltline
ends with the signature Dodge kick-up at the rear, where the reverse-angle
C-pillar is planted directly over the rear wheel arch.

Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip, Dodge ZEO’s rakish
A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge as they race
rearward. The windshield glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to
the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded,
all-around view while showcasing ZEO’s inventive interior.

Other expressive details include “scissor” doors, front and rear lamps treated
as separate sculptural forms, and the “ZEO Orange” and dark silver exterior.

“The lit crossbar grille,” says Zheng, “is designed to communicate the use of
electricity as the ZEO’s power source.”

Inspired by organic forms and wireless technology, Dodge ZEO’s interior is
loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers.

“The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a
dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at
all times,” says Lou Gasevski, principal interior designer of the Dodge ZEO
concept.

The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture.

A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves
dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back
panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in
front of the passenger.

This design approach blends the usually separate-looking parts of the interior
into a unified whole. A narrow strip of blue LED accent lighting on the doors
and quarters lead to the back panel, adding to the sweeping effect. Most of the
interior surfaces of the ZEO concept are colored in Super White, adding to the
sculptural impression.

A slim center console slopes down from the windshield of the Dodge ZEO, creating
a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing
clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a
viewing screen are set flush with the surface.

Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and
instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO
concept’s steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving
80 percent of the rim “open” for maximum visibility. The laid-back center hub,
containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the
wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just
behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.

The sloping plane of the center hub, which cantilevers forward above the
steering column, houses the instruments which are displayed on a thin blue
acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire elegant
multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver’s needs.

Doors and quarters are bisected by a flaring, wide-to-narrow dark gray panel
separating the upper and lower surfaces – with the lower portion of the door and
quarter curving inboard to provide an armrest surface. Milled aluminum door pull
handles, placed diagonally, act as accents.

Contrasting colored Copperhead stitching follows the forms of the ZEO’s Super
White leather seats. For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport
highly-contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down
position, the slim sculpted headrests nestle neatly into the tops of the upper
seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminum, with video
screens integrated into the front seatbacks.